Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Obidient Movement in Abia State has formally called on Governor Alex Otti to defect to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, describing the move as critical to consolidating a united political front ahead of the 2027 general election. The group said joining the ADC would guarantee Governor Otti the collective bloc vote of its members and supporters across the state.
The call was made on January 14, 2026, during a press briefing in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, where leaders of the movement outlined their political expectations and strategy for the next election cycle. Addressing journalists, the group said it had resolved to take a firm position in defence of what it described as progressive governance in Abia and would not remain passive in the face of political manoeuvring aimed at dislodging the incumbent governor.
According to the movement, Governor Otti’s administration has, in its view, embodied key principles that inspired its supporters during the last electoral cycle, including accountability, reform-driven governance and people-oriented leadership. It argued that aligning formally with the ADC would provide a clearer political platform to mobilise grassroots support and neutralise what it termed “elite-driven attempts” to reclaim control of the state.
Spokespersons for the Obidient Movement warned that powerful political interests were already positioning themselves ahead of 2027, with the intention of unseating Governor Otti through what they described as coordinated influence and backroom arrangements. The group said it was prepared to resist such efforts politically and electorally, stressing that its members would not support any project aimed at reversing what it called recent gains in governance.
The movement further stated that its call for Governor Otti to join the ADC was not merely symbolic but strategic. According to the group, the ADC offers a platform capable of aggregating reform-minded voters and sustaining a credible challenge to dominant political forces at both state and national levels. It said an early decision by the governor would send a strong signal of clarity and purpose to supporters and potential allies.
Members of the group also emphasised that their support was rooted in shared values rather than personal loyalty. They said their readiness to mobilise was contingent on maintaining a political direction that aligns with transparency, fiscal discipline and inclusive development. In that context, they argued that a move to the ADC would help protect those ideals from being diluted by what they described as “transactional politics.”
While reaffirming support for Governor Otti, the Obidient Movement made it clear that it expects proactive engagement from the governor as the 2027 race approaches. The group called for structured consultations with civil society actors, youth groups and grassroots organisations to build what it described as a broad-based coalition capable of winning decisively at the polls.
The statement comes amid growing political realignments across the country, as parties and political actors begin early positioning for the next general election. In Abia, the call adds a new layer to ongoing discussions about party loyalty, cross-party alliances and the role of influential political movements in shaping electoral outcomes.
As of the time of the briefing, the Abia State Government had not issued an official response to the call. However, political observers note that the intervention by the Obidient Movement underscores the increasing influence of organised civic and political blocs in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
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